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An AICPA survey found that nearly 40% of CPAs see themselves as catalysts for clients adopting innovative technology, such as cloud computing and mobile devices. Meanwhile, 43% will respond to clients' requests for assistance in assessing and implementing emerging technology that can help business leaders make better decisions. "[M]ost of these companies need a tech-savvy business adviser to help them take advantage of these opportunities, and that's a role CPAs are uniquely qualified to fill," CPA2Biz President and CEO Erik Asgeirsson said.

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A majority of technology CFOs in a new survey have increased their spending on cybersecurity, and a broader survey of finance executives shows increased concern about cyberattacks. The survey also shows that fewer than half of tech CFOs are familiar with proposed revenue recognition rules. AICPA President and CEO Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, discusses the leadership role CPAs can play in cybersecurity.

A survey from CPA2Biz, a subsidiary of the American Institute of CPAs, found that nearly 43% of firms polled have little confidence in their cloud vendor's ability to maintain effective internal controls and handle data breaches. Nearly half of respondents are using cloud-based business services. "Web-based services are here to stay," said Erik Asgeirsson, president and CEO of CPA2Biz. "But firms need to do their homework, put in place well-defined service agreements and choose vendors who have a demonstrated commitment to ongoing technology assurance services."

CPAs who embrace technology are finding more than just internal productivity improvements, writes Erik Asgeirsson, president and CEO of CPA2Biz. Secure cloud computing and mobile application services are changing how CPAs and their clients interact with one another.

With many tax issues still up in the air in Congress, CPAs need to help indecisive clients by providing "total analysis" and objective advice and tailoring a plan for each client. Recommendations to clients should have an analytical comparison of options, examine how the options fit the client and weigh the client's risk tolerance.

The AICPA and its CPA2Biz subsidiary have decided to form an alliance with software developer Intacct and distribute the firm's cloud computing software to the CPA profession. In an effort to help small and medium-sized businesses and CPA firms become more profitable through the use of cloud computing, CPA2Biz and Intacct will work together to produce a version of Intacct's accounting and management applications tailored to CPA firms and their clients.